Published on: Wednesday, August 25, 2010

By StatePoint Media

As students prepare for that journey back to classrooms and dorm rooms, using a checklist can prove vital. While many basic items on the list have not changed in decades, a wave of new technology is helping students with their studies and social lives.

“Students go to college with so much technology even their accessories have accessories,” said Catherine Gentile, a spokesperson for Bed Bath & Beyond, whose stores offer many of these important tech items. “The dorm may look the same, but the technology is light years ahead.”

Here are some new technologies that can keep any college student on track, according to experts at Bed Bath & Beyond:

Timely and Tidy

Balancing studies and socializing can be difficult, so finding the right gadgets to stay organized is important. For getting to class on time, the right alarm clock makes a big difference— especially if it connects with a student’s iPhone. For example, the new iHome iA5 ‘app-enhanced’ alarm clock is a combination speaker and docking station, and it is the first bedside alarm clock with its own free iPhone application. The app allows students to wake to personal reminders, weather reports and even social media updates from Facebook and Twitter friends. 

Keeping workspaces neat is also important. Students can safely eliminate clutter by using a device like the Electro Man Multi-Outlet, a fun alternative to the powerstrip, with arms and legs that allow multiple gadgets to plug into a single source.

Multimedia Matters

Whether for study or entertainment, many items can help students navigate their music, movies and photos. When it comes to tunes, think portable. Consider iHome’s Colortunes, an iPod LED Color-Changing Stereo System that serves as a speaker and charging station, with a translucent cabinet that changes color at the touch of a button, allowing students to set different moods in their rooms. 

A video camera also is handy, whether it is to help with schoolwork or record the game-winning touchdown. Choose one that is small enough to fit in your pocket or bag to access on a moment’s notice, like the Sharper Image U-Video USB video camera. You can start shooting within four seconds of powering up so you will no miss spontaneous happenings. It can record up to 60 minutes of video, immediately uploadable to computers for sharing with friends or played on the TV.

Stay safe

It is easy to overlook small details that can result in damaged or lost property. For securing valuables like laptops, gaming devices or MP3 players, the Anti-Theft Locking Safe is a small, dependable package that keeps handhelds safe. Simply anchor to desks or bedposts, keeping things secure.

Considering how much work gets done on laptops, keeping them safe and in one piece is vital. Portable cooling stations keep Mac and PC notebooks cool via dual-fan systems. A ComboSaver combination portable laptop lock can secure a computer to desktops or bedposts, preventing theft. 

A few simple and affordable tech items can help students excel in the classroom and the quad.